I used to practice alternate picking with a special pick that was hard plastic and had a little round ball at the end that came to a point (shaped like a diamond). If you dove in too deep, it would hang up on the string, teaching you to use a "shallow" attack. I can't remember the name or who made it, but it helped.

Michael is equally impressive when he uses his left hand over the top of the neck. This can help you build strength in your pinky finger and overall coordination. Bends are really tough however!